In a tightly contested match Saturday at windy La Salle, the Explorers prevailed 4-3 over Fordham to push their record to 5-1 for the fall season.
The Explorers were tested early by the Rams, who came out and won the doubles point in dominating fashion.
La Salle's Jon Maula and George Gennaoui won at number one doubles, 8-5, while Ryan Knarr and Andy Petrusky were downed 8-4 at number two doubles. The Rams closed out the doubles point with another 8-4 win in the third position over Christian Harvey and Eric Glick
When it came to singles, the Explorers were ready to make a statement.
At number six, Chris Butera won easily, 6-1, 6-2, to tie the match at 1-1. Next on the board was Gennaoui, who fought to a 6-4, 6-4 win over the Rams' Austin Shoup, giving La Salle the lead. Dallas Harding corralled the Rams chances to make a late push, beating number two Matt Rivera of La Salle in a three set match, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. However, the Explorers were not to be outdone. Eric Glick fought hard to give the La Salle their third point with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) win at number three.
The big win on the day for the Explorers came from number four player Jonathan Maula, who clawed his way to a decisive 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory, giving La Salle the win. At number five, Andy Petrusky fell in three sets, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.
"I was happy with our singles play today. Our guys where able to come up with the goods when they needed to," said Explorers coach Ed Colfer. "I was very happy to see Jon (Maula) respond so well and carry his match to a third set and then go onto win it. It was big for him and big for our team in such a close match."
Singles
George Gennaoui (L) def. Austin Shoup 6-4, 6-4
Dallas Harding (F) def. Matt Rivera 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Eric Glick (L) def. Pat Tool 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Jonathan Maula (L) def. B. Abbatiello 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
S. Georgiou (F) def. Andy Petrusky 6-4, 1-6, 6-2
Chris Butera (L) def. K. Maloney 6-1, 6-2
Doubles
Gennaoui/Maula (L) def. Shoup/Abbatiello 8-5
Harding/Tool(F) def. Knarr/Petrusky 8-4
Fukumoto/Kelly (F) def. Harvey/Glick 8-4
